'Let them drink': Karnataka MLA demands two free liquor bottles for men against Rs 2,000 cash for women

(Source: Karnataka Assembly)

Karnataka MLA MT Krishnappa sparked controversy in the state Assembly on Tuesday after he demanded that the state government should give two liquor bottles for free to all men every week. The JDS leader said that just like how the state government is giving Rs 2,000 per month to every woman using taxpayer’s money, it should provide free liquor bottles to every man.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: In the state assembly yesterday, JD(S) MLA MT Krishnappa said, "You (state government) are giving women Rs 2,000 per month, free electricity and free bus travel. Anyway, it is our money. So, those who drink should be given two bottles of liquor free pic.twitter.com/sahRddxZ1C

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ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025

While speaking in the assembly, Turuvekere MLA MT Krishnappa asked, “In just one year, the government hiked (excise) taxes thrice. This is hitting the poor. How will the excise target for Rs 40,000 crore be achieved without hiking taxes again?”

Notably, the Karnataka government’s 2025-26 Budget has set an ambitious excise revenue target of Rs 40,000 crore, up from the Rs 36,500 crore expected by the end of the current fiscal year.

However, Krishnappa provided an unconventional solution to this issue in the assembly, to which all the members laughed and the comment went viral on social media. “We can't stop people from drinking, especially the labour class. At their cost, you're giving 2,000 per month to women, free electricity, and free bus travel. That’s our money anyway. So, to those who drink, give them two bottles of liquor free every week. Let them drink. We give them (men) money every month?” he argued.

Replying to the controversial statement, state energy minister K J George said, “Win the election, form the government and do this. We are trying to make people drink less.” Speaker UT Khader also echoed the minister’s remarks. “Without giving two bottles, we are already struggling. What will happen if we give them liquor for free? he said.